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Selectboard debates town email requirement and security policy wording
Summary
Members discussed a draft Technology Use, Email, Social Media and Information Security Policy that would require town email addresses (likely for elected officials), address phishing risk and data custody, and may include disciplinary measures for noncompliance; the board asked for clearer scope and cost details before adopting.
The Selectboard reviewed a draft Technology Use, Email, Social Media and Information Security Policy intended to reduce phishing, fraud and data loss and to ensure town records remain with the municipality when officials leave. The draft was prepared by staff and reviewed by the town attorney. Board members asked who must obtain a town email address, whether volunteers should be required, and what the cost would be per account. Laura Crain flagged editorial fixes and asked that a "Remove this" placeholder be removed from the draft.
Erik Johnson questioned the need to require a town email, saying he prefers his personal account but would comply if the policy passes. The group discussed potential disciplinary measures, including withholding stipends for elected officials who do not comply. As one concern highlighted in the meeting, "If his email account were hacked into, it could also expose private conversations with citizens." The board agreed to clarify which roles must use town email (suggestion: elected officials only) and to ask the attorney about enforcement and reimbursement language before moving to adopt the policy.
